Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president Atiku Abubakar and the President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki, have paid tribute to late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who died 9 years ago.

Jonathan who served with Yar’Adua as Vice President and later became president after his death, described the late Yar’Adua as a selfless leader.

He stressed that the former president always placed national interest up and above self or ethnic interest.

“On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains.

“President Yar’Adua was a man of integrity with a humble spirit who always took upon himself the burden of national reconciliation, peace-building, and democratic consolidation.

“He used the opportunity he had in public service to build bridges of love, foster unity and give hope to Nigerians.

“Today, I remember and celebrate him for the works that he had done. Peace he lived for and homes of peace he built. Democracy he loved and democracy he nurtured. We will always remember you for your service. A servant leader truly you remain,” he wrote on twitter.

Also on twitter, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also hailed the former President as a patriot and a compassionate leader.

For the President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki, he extolled the virtues of the former president who was elected in 2007 after President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who passed on 9-years ago.

“His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amen.

In his tribute, Senator Shehu Sani described the late President as an honest man, a true democrat and one who respects the rule of law.

“President Umaru Musa Yar’adua died on this day nine years ago.He was a honest man, a true democrat, respecter of the rule of law and a humble visionary. May Allah forgive his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi,” he said.

Adesunbo Onitiri, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos Central Senatorial candidate in the last elections, has flayed the Federal Government’s order on Nigerians to surrender their guns before June 1. He said the order should be reconsidered in view of the growing insurgency and kidnappings in the country.